Veteran financial journalist Maria Bartiromo has reportedly entered discussions with CBS News for a potential role on its flagship program, "60 Minutes," following her abrupt departure from Fox News Media on September 3. The development marks a significant shift in the television news landscape, with multiple, often conflicting, accounts emerging regarding the circumstances of her exit from Fox.
"The irresponsible reports that have been published stating that Maria Bartiromo was fired or is no longer an employee of Fox are absolutely and unequivocally false. Make no mistake, we have the receipts and witnesses and they will come out whether through the courthouse or otherwise." Bryan Freedman, Attorney for Maria Bartiromo
Sources close to the situation, as detailed in Rob Shuter’s Naughty But Nice newsletter, indicate that Bartiromo has engaged in talks with CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss. An insider characterized Bartiromo's proactive approach, stating, "Maria and Bari have already spoken. Maria isn’t sitting around licking her wounds. She’s moving fast, and 60 Minutes is absolutely in the mix." This reported move would see Bartiromo potentially transition to one of television's most prestigious news programs after more than a decade at Fox.
Fox News Media announced Bartiromo's departure in a brief statement on September 3, confirming the end of her tenure. "Effective today, Maria Bartiromo is no longer with FOX News Media," the network stated, adding, "We thank Maria for her work over the last 12 ½ years and wish her all the best on her next chapter." While the public statement maintained a cordial tone, internal explanations from Fox representatives suggested a "business decision" was the reason for her termination, a detail later reported by Axios.
However, this narrative has been strongly contested by Bartiromo's legal team. Attorney Bryan Freedman issued a forceful rebuttal, flatly rejecting any suggestion that his client had been dismissed. "The irresponsible reports that have been published stating that Maria Bartiromo was fired or is no longer an employee of Fox are absolutely and unequivocally false," Freedman declared. He further hinted at potential legal action or public disclosure of evidence, asserting, "Make no mistake, we have the receipts and witnesses and they will come out whether through the courthouse or otherwise." Freedman also criticized journalists covering the story, stating, "Those reporting her firing or the incredulous facts supporting that fiction have exhibited a complete and utter reckless disregard for the truth."
Adding another layer of complexity to the situation is an allegation by the outlet Status, which claimed Bartiromo had previously shared confidential Fox editorial guidance with the White House regarding coverage of President Donald Trump. Fox's official statements regarding her departure did not mention this alleged leak as a contributing factor in her exit.
Despite the swirl of conflicting accounts surrounding her departure from Fox, Bartiromo's professional ambitions reportedly remain undiminished. Sources suggest she is determined to maintain her status as a "major player" in the television industry. Her appeal to networks, according to an insider, lies in the extensive network of relationships she has cultivated throughout her career. "Maria brings something Bari understands is valuable: access," the source explained, highlighting her ability to connect with "CEOs, billionaires, political power players and Wall Street titans." This access has been a hallmark of Bartiromo's career, spanning her time at CNBC and her subsequent roles anchoring three distinct programs across Fox News and Fox Business since joining in 2014. "Maria believes she still belongs at the biggest table in television. There is no bigger table than 60 Minutes," the insider added.
Beyond the reported CBS discussions, speculation has also surfaced regarding other potential career paths for Bartiromo. Her name was briefly mentioned as a possible candidate to succeed Karoline Leavitt as White House press secretary. This rumor was addressed by Vice President JD Vance during a White House briefing on September 3. When asked about the possibility, Vance responded, "I don’t know, man. No, I don’t think so," though he offered complimentary remarks about Bartiromo and noted he had not spoken with her directly about her Fox exit.
President Trump also publicly commented on Bartiromo's situation, using his Truth Social platform to express admiration for her career following the news of her departure from Fox. His remarks conveyed clear support for her work. "I can’t believe Maria Bartiromo is no longer going to have her great show(s) on FoxNews/Business," President Trump wrote. "Three different shows, always number one. Maria is a total professional, and a true warrior."
As of now, neither CBS nor Bartiromo has formally confirmed any prospective arrangement. The precise circumstances of her departure from Fox News Media continue to be a subject of dispute, with her legal representatives and the network offering starkly different narratives of what transpired.
